Blues Announce Heineken Cup Squad

20 November 2003 00:00

The Blues have finalised their 34-man squad for the Heineken Cup pool matches that begin with an away trip to Sale Sharks on Saturday 6 December.

All of the Blues' Rugby World Cup representatives are included. To meet the tournament's requirements of registering ten front row forwards, the squad also includes hookers Leyton Phillips and Ryan Price plus prop Darren Sweet.

Not considered because of injuries were Richard Smith, Dean Dewdney and Jonny Vaughton. However, changes can be made if the Blues qualify for the quarter-finals in the New Year.

Coach David Young said,

"The Heineken Cup matches ask real questions of all the competing teams and this season is no exception. We have a tough pool with the Sharks first up and then Leinster Lions and Biarritz Olympique. But we have named our best available squad and are looking forward to the challenge.

"We knew that Richard and Dean were long-term injuries, and it's bad luck on them, while Jonny will definitely come into consideration if we are in a position to re-register in January."

To celebrate the opening of the newly refurbished Guinness PRO12 Pack Bar, the world famous Irish brewer will be offering supporters free pints of the black stuff ahead of Saturday's clash with Ulster.

'TACKLE' - the first-ever joint community rugby initiative between the four professional teams in Wales has been launched (today Weds 19th October) bringing an inspiring new rugby education programme to young people in Communities First areas. Partners in the project were joined by Wales' star rugby internationals Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets) and Hallam Amos (Newport Gwent Dragons), for the launch at Aberdare Community School.

The Welsh Rugby Union, together with Pro Rugby Wales, has secured significantly improved insurance cover for all registered players, coaches and referees at each of its member clubs and regions at reduced costs -working with Aon, one of the world's largest insurance brokers and risk advisors.

The Welsh Rugby Union, together with Pro Rugby Wales, has secured significantly improved insurance cover for all registered players, coaches and referees at each of its member clubs and regions at reduced costs -working with Aon, one of the world's largest insurance brokers and risk advisors.